Lochmaben
Castle stands on a low headland projecting into the Castle Loch, a spot which formerly was
an island. The ruins are extensive, but most of the dressed sandstone has been robbed over
the years, leaving crumbling rubble. To the south the walls reach their highest, with a
great entrance over a ditch. The drawbridge pit is still visible.
What we see of Lochmaben was
probably built by English masons, and in its early years it was captured and recaptured 12
times, being close to the border. Originally the seat of the Bruces, some say King Robert
was born here, though others claim this for Turnberry Castle in Ayrshire. Edward I of
England took the castle in 1298, but it returned to Bruce hands. It was given to Edward
III by Baliol but taken again by David II in 1346. Edward captured it again, but the
Douglases retook it in 1384. When the Douglases were attaint in 1455 it became a royal
castle. James IV did much rebuilding in 1503-4, adding a new hall. Mary, Queen of Scots
visited in 1565 with Darnley. For a time held by Lord Maxwell, James VI who granted the
governorship to the Earls of Annandale besieged it in 1588. |
